FG Refutes Ted Cruz’s Genocide Claims, Says Allegations Against Nigeria Are False and Baseless.

FG Refutes Ted Cruz’s Genocide Claims, Says Allegations Against Nigeria Are False and Baseless.

The Federal Government has strongly dismissed allegations that Christians are being targeted and killed in Nigeria, describing the claims as false, baseless, and misleading.

The rebuttal followed statements made by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who accused the Nigerian government of aiding a “massacre” against Christians and revealed that he had introduced a bill—the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act—to sanction officials allegedly complicit in such acts.

Reacting to the allegation, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, that Cruz’s claims were founded on misinformation and did not reflect the realities in Nigeria.

He said, “This is not true. This is not the reflection of what is on the ground. I mean it’s false where you say over 20,000 churches have been burned. It’s also false if you say 52,000 (Christians killed).”

“Where did he get those numbers from? I think this is absolutely absurd. It’s not supported by any facts whatsoever. The Nigerian government rejects that.”

The minister emphasized that no Nigerian official or institution supports or collaborates with violent extremists in any form.

“No Nigerian officials will willingly, deliberately indulge in the act of siding with violent extremists to target any particular religion in this country. This is absolutely false.”

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to religious freedom and tolerance, Idris added, “Nigeria is a multi-faith country, meaning that it’s a country that has multiple religions. We have Christians, we have Muslims, we even have those who don’t believe in any of these two religions. Nigeria is a very tolerant country. The government of Nigeria is committed to ensuring that there is religious freedom in this country.”

He, however, admitted that violent extremism remains a challenge affecting both Christians and Muslims alike.

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“It’s unfortunate, sadly, that some of these extremists have killed a number of Christians and a number of Muslims almost everywhere where this violent extremism has support. So, it’s not true.

“We find that to be very unfortunate. It’s despicable, it’s not right. This is absolutely false to say that there is a calculated or a deliberate attempt to kill a particular religious group; it’s not correct, and we find that really very, very unfortunate.”

Idris assured Nigerians and the international community that the Federal Government remains resolute in combating terrorism and banditry across the country, ensuring protection for all citizens regardless of faith or background.